CAMERON COUNTY FOOTBALL TEAM UNDERGOES CHANGES HEADING INTO 2001

EMPORIUM- Just as the Red Raider coaching staff has undergone some changes, so too has the Red Raider football team. 

Coach John Fragale has found himself without much coaching experience.  He is alone on his defensive and offensive coordinating, but with the help of Aaron Bowes and Shaun Bidwell, he has his wide receivers and offensive line covered.

The Red Raiders have 12 seniors this year, but lack much need position experience. 

Last year’s quarterback, Jason Crosby, suffered a series of concussions and will not play this season.  Fragale has looked towards senior Gideon Hornung to take quarterback, although he has never played there before.

Fragale believes that there are many talented athletes on the team this year.  He was very happy to see 32 players suit up for the first practice.  Where they are going to play is the only problem.

Fragale sees  5’9” senior Scott Horning  and 6’0” junior Scott Aikens leading the way this year at tailback. They are both very quick and very dedicated athletes.  He also believes that Horning will be a major impact on defense and says he could be a potential Big 30 All-Star.

The position of fullback is looking to be lead by seniors Gary Clark and Dan Hoffower, and to be joined by 5’11” junior Ryan Clingan, who are all returning letter winners.

Fragale believes these three are very skilled and good runners.

The only player that is a tight end “prospect” for this year is 6’2” senior Joe Malizia.  He has spent much time lifting and Fragale believes he has great size and dedication.

This year at center senior David VonArx is looking to take over two year starter and Big 30 All-Star Israel Catalano’s spot.  Catalano was lost to graduation last year and was a big asset to the team.  After playing on the Raiders championship team two years ago, and dropping weight, Fragale believes VonArx knows what it takes to become a great performer.

The trio of senior Matt Pierce and juniors Pete Malize and Randy Vodenichar will most likely take the guard spots this year.  All three are returning letter winners and very talented athletes.

To round out the list of returning upper-classmen senior Eric Yurt will return as a three-year letter winner at tackle.  Fragale believes he “has something to prove,” and will be a big threat to opposing teams this year with his size and determination.

The Raiders only won one game in their rebuilding year last year after winning the District 9 Title in 1999. These dedicated athletes have much skill and have been working hard all summer. 

Coach Fragale believes there was no better motto for this team in the 2001 season then, “Winner’s Prepare.”